Chemistry: Reactions and Synthesis (CHEM20018)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject covers key concepts associated with the synthesis and design of organic and inorganic molecules, molecular architecture and the energy transformations associated with chemical and physical processes. Topics covered include synthesis of simple polyfunctional organic compounds, thermodynamically controlled reactions of s-, p- and d- block elements and thermodynamics. In the last three weeks of the subject students will be able to choose between lecture modules with a focus on introductory materials chemistry or biological chemistry. These topics have applications in drug discovery, chemical industry, nanotechnology, and energy harnessing through conventional and alternative energy sources.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should:
- have developed an understanding of molecular properties and energetics and be able to apply these concepts to the synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds;
- know approaches to the synthesis and some reactions of simple polyfunctional organic compounds;
- be able to distinguish between kinetically and thermodynamically controlled reactions and to apply these concepts to rationalise synthetic transformations;
- understand basic thermodynamic concepts and the application of these approaches to real solutions, mixtures and phase equilibria;
- have a knowledge of the main factors controlling the substitution and redox reactions of main group and transition metal elements.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- the ability to comprehend complex concepts and effectively communicate this understanding to the scientific community and in a manner accessible to the wider community;
- the ability to analyse and solve abstract technical problems;
- the ability to connect and apply the learnt concepts to a broad range of scientific problems beyond the scope of this subject;
- an awareness of advanced technologies;
- the ability to think and reason logically;
- the ability to think critically and independently.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM10004 | Chemistry 2 |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| CHEM10006 | Chemistry for Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CHEM10009 | Chemistry for BioSciences | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR entry to MC-ENG Master of Engineering (Chemical (300 and 200pt entry)), (Chemical with Business), (Biochemical) or (Materials)
Students entering the subject through CHEM10006 Chemistry for Biomedicine or CHEM10009 Chemistry for BioSciences are strongly advised to contact the coordinator to discuss the subject and the background knowledge required.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed one of the following subjects may not also gain credit for this subject:
CHEM20014 CHEM20021 CHEM20022 CHEM20023 CHEM20024 CHEM20025
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
Five short tests each of duration up to 60 minutes conducted on-line using the learning management system (LMS) for a total of 20%; the tests will run at the end of weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 and each test will contribute equally to this component of the assessment. A three hour examination at the end of the semester will contribute 80% to the final grade.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Donnelly Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x one hour tutorial per week; up to 3 x one hour non-compulsory enrichment seminars within normal university hours during the semester. Total 51 hours. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
P Atkins and J De Paula, Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, 10th Ed, Oxford University Press, 2014
M. Weller, T. Overton, J. Rourke and F. Armstrong, Inorganic Chemistry, 6th Ed, Oxford University Press, 2014
J. Clayden, N. Greeves and S. Warren, Organic Chemistry, 2nd Ed, Oxford University Press, 2012
W. Callister & D. G. Rethwisch, Materials Science and Engineering- An Introduction, 9th Ed, Wiley 2013
- Subject notes
It is recommended that students who plan to major in Chemistry to also have completed the following:
- Mathematics and Statistics - two semesters of first year mathematics, for example MAST10005 Calculus 1, MAST10006 Calculus 2 and/or MAST10007 Linear Algebra.
- Physics - VCE Units 3/4 12 Physics or equivalent, for example PHYC10005 Physics 1: Fundamentals
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Medicinal Chemistry Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Chemistry Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Major Medicinal Chemistry Major Chemistry Specialisation (formal) Chemical Specialisation (formal) Chemical with Business Major Environmental Science Specialisation (formal) Biochemical - Breadth options
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025